Our LA team has been eating its way through North Hollywood’s chicken scene all year. From crispy fried joints that have been around since the 101 Freeway was just a blueprint to new-school spots pushing the boundaries of poultry, we’ve tasted dozens. These eight restaurants serve chicken so good, we’d happily spend our own cash on our days off—and you should be lining up for it right now.
KFC
$ | (818) 767-2025 | WEBSITE
The 12-piece meal at this North Hollywood KFC is priced at $50—which makes it a solid choice for feeding a hungry group after a long day. Their standout item? The Racing Canes Chicken Fingers, praised for their quality and served fresh and hot, especially when ordered through the app or at the drive-thru. The crispy chicken, including the crispy version, is juicy and delicious, with large portion sizes that often satisfy families.
The sides, like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, are generous and flavorful too. Staff members are generally friendly and professional, creating a welcoming atmosphere. While there can be occasional issues, like wrong orders or delays, many customers appreciate the overall quality and value for money.
Gol Tong Chicken
$ | (213) 716-6116 | WEBSITE
Gol Tong Chicken is the new kid on the block in North Hollywood, but the fried chicken spot is already firing on all cylinders. Their batter-and-sauce expertise is especially clear in the Director’s Cut. It’s got a light batter that keeps the meat extra juicy, and punchy flavor-bombs in the form of chili sauce and fresh fruit. A side of that amazing glaze for dipping is mandatory.
Tennessee Hot Chicken THC
$ | (818) 312-6970 | WEBSITE
At Tennessee Hot Chicken THC, at least one order of the Crazy flavor chicken is on every single table. The North Hollywood spot dubs this as their “must-try fried chicken,” and we are fully bought into the hype. The chicken is fried until crisp and tender, seasoned with excellent spices, and has a perfect amount of heat from the signature garlic sauce.
While this looks straightforward compared to the likes of other chicken heavyweights, Tennessee Hot Chicken THC proves that sometimes simple execution is everything.
WILDBIRD
$ | (323) 645-7204 | WEBSITE
Plenty of burritos can be found in the city, especially in Downtown where Wildbird is based. But if we had to pick a burrito from this new spot on 8th Street out of a lineup, we’d recognize theirs instantly. A light, healthy meal that stays fresh and a gentle level of spice that keeps you coming back until the last bite are Wildbird calling cards. We’d be happy to get our hands on any and all of their options, but the Burrito Mexicano with wild sauce is the one we’d brave a lunch rush line for.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (818) 760-9713 | WEBSITE
There are no misses in Popeye’s chicken menu, but among the classic items that are part of the experience, the five-piece chicken tenders are the ones we want a dozen more of. A big basket arrives with the golden-brown pieces, hiding the fries from view. Things could stop there and we’d be perfectly satisfied, but the soft, buttery biscuits served alongside lend a bit of richness that supercharges the natural flavor of the chicken.
This combo isn’t available on the basic meal deals, but it’s worth paying the extra dollars to add these tenders as a supplement.
Howlin’ Ray’s Hot Chicken – Chinatown
$ | (213) 935-8399 | WEBSITE
Howlin’ Ray’s Hot Chicken is a Nashville-style spot in Chinatown that works well for a quick on-the-go helping of hot chicken. But the sleeper hit is their Sando, served up in paper trays with perfectly seasoned fries. It’s juicy, not too greasy, and highly addictive. You’ll want an entire order to yourself.
Hangry Moon’s
$ | (310) 824-1122 | WEBSITE
December chill may be settling in, but it’s always the perfect time for Korean fried chicken. Hangry Moon’s in Westwood serves expertly breaded tenders that are crispy, moist, and come in a spicy flavor—and at $15 a meal, this is one of the best late-night food deals in the neighborhood.
Daves Hot Chicken
$ | (818) 358-4793 | WEBSITE
Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of our favorite restaurants in North Hollywood—not just for their phenomenal chicken, but also the lively dining room that looks like a graffiti-covered garage crossbred with a retro diner. On a recent visit, we downed a slider combo with juicy tenders and crispy fries piled across the tray. Coming with a friend and splitting this and a simple cauliflower basket is the move.